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Monday, October 22, 2012

Charles Weygant - 124th NY

#5

Captain
Charles H. Weygant's Experiences on the Field Post-Battle

“The
thick foliage caused dark shadows to fall upon these acres of mangled
bleeding human forms. Away down through the trees flickering lights
could be seen, the reflections of which fell with ghastly effect upon
the corps of surgeons who, with coats off and sleeves rolled up, were
gathered at, or moving rapidly to and fro about the amputating
tables. After a moment's hesitation at the edge of the woods I
resolved to attempt to pick my way through towards where I hoped to
find the objects of my search, but as I moved on among those, for the
most part, prostrate men, their groans and piteous appeals for help
appalled me. Several in a state of delirium were shouting as if upon
the battlefield, and others, believing I was a surgeon, besought me
to stop just a moment and bind up the wounds from which their
life-blood was ebbing. Presently a man I was about stepping over,
sprang to his feet, shook in front of me a bloody bandage he had just
torn from a dreadful, gaping wound in his breast, and uttered a
hideous, laughing shriek. This sent the hot blood spurting from his
wound into my very face. Then he threw up his arms as if a bullet
had just entered his heart, and fell heavily forward across a poor
mangled fellow, whose piercing wails of anguish were heart-rending
beyond description. I could endure no more, and wheeling about,
hurried over the wounded and dying to the open field again, and
returned to the regiment, glad that I had informed no one of my
intended errand of mercy, for I was heartily ashamed of the weakness
which had caused me to turn back.”

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About Me

I am a Licensed Battlefield Guide at Gettysburg National Military Park and have been studying Civil War history since about age five. The two things that I re-learn every single day are, how much more there is to learn about the American Civil War, and, at least one (usually 20) new thing. The folks that lived through this volatile period all have a story to tell and 'their stories' have changed my life. It is a story worth sharing and there is much for all of us to learn about what it means to be human.

Besides spending most of my time giving tours here at Gettysburg, I also present lectures and programs on numerous Civil War topics. If you or your organization is interested in one of these programs, please don't be shy and contact me. Some of my favorite topics include, but are not limited to; the George Spangler Farm at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Regiments in the war (specializing in the 40th PA (11th Reserves), 50th PA, 105th PA (The Wildcats) and the 127th PA (Dauphin County Regiment), The Wheatfield at Gettysburg, The Peach Orchard at Gettysburg, the Ninth Corps at Antietam, and many others. Thank you for browsing and enjoy.